Inflatable barrier

Abstract

A barrier for water carried pollutants comprises a series of end to end connectable boom sections with each section comprising a flexible tubular sleeve and a depending skirt. The tubular sleeves contain a plurality of inflatable tubular chambers extending substantially the entire length of the flexible sleeve. Each of the tubular chambers terminating at least at one end of the sleeve in inflation valve means. In a preferred form of the invention there are seven tubular chambers carried in each tubular sleeve.

What has been set forth above is intended as exemplary to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention and what is new and therefore desired to be protected by Letters Patent of the United States is; 
     
       1. A barrier for water carried pollutants comprising a series of end to end connectable boom sections, each boom section comprising a flexible tubular sleeve, seven inflatable tubular chambers removably insertable within said flexible tubular sleeve and extending substantially the entire length of the flexible sleeve, each of said tubular chambers terminating at least at one end of the sleeve in inflation valve means and each of said tubular chambers being closed at the opposite end and when said inflatable chambers are inflated said chambers comprising the primary flotation means for the boom sections, each said boom section being particularly characterized in that one of the seven tubular chambers is positioned about the axis of the tubular sleeve and the other of said tubular chambers are positioned in an annular zone about the said one of the tubular chambers. 
     
     
       2. The invention defined in claim 1 further including means for inflating said inflatable tubular chambers comprising a source of compressed gas, a gas conduit connected at one end to said source of compressed gas, a header at the opposite end of said gas conduit and a plurality of inflating conduits, one for each of said tubular chambers extending from said header. 
     
     
       3. The invention defined in claim 1 wherein said tubular chambers have a diameter of about 2 inches and said flexible tubular sleeve has an internal diameter of about 8 inches.